Bucket of Rocks or Toolbox?

This article offers examples of what changes individual correctional employees can choose to make in their attitude and behavior to bring about positive outcomes in the workplace.

It saddens me that many correctional workers carry a bucket of rocks to work every day and don’t even realize that they are carrying needless weight.

You have heard the old saying, “Attitude is everything.” Well, in this bucket I’m talking about people who carry the rocks of negative attitudes.

I continue to hear over and over again about problems in corrections that are a direct result of the “bucket of rocks” people bring in with them. These rocks can kill careers, steal lives, and destroy families. What are some of the rocks I am talking about? They are gossip, harassment, jealousy, anger, hate, back-biting, and too many more to mention.

What is wrong with this picture? Aren’t we supposed to be supporting each other? Don’t we all depend on others for support in emergencies? Yet when the crisis is over, we go back to throwing our rocks.

I know this is not a perfect world. If it were there would be no need for corrections. However, people have to begin to realize that they will either be a positive role model to inmates and staff or a negative one. Too many times we see the results of the “rock” that has been hurled at someone, with no consideration about how it will affect the other person. Most of us have failed to realize that in work and life in general “it’s not about me.”

We take great pride in the fact that we go into these facilities on a daily basis and protect the public. Our jobs are not easy. We have one strike against us though before we even go in. IT IS NEGATIVE IN THERE!!!! It is one thing when inmates are negative. We expect that. It is very discouraging when staff is more negative than the inmates. There is something terribly wrong with this!

So, we have a choice. Do we let the negative rub off on us or do we choose to release the positive into our workplace?

The question of course is how to change this negativity. How do we motivate ourselves and others to change, or better yet, to be transformed? (I heard it said that change is repeatable, but transformation is permanent.) What I want to see in corrections is permanent transformation in our attitude, not just change that doesn’t stick.

Thankfully, in my career I had the opportunity to work with and for some very positive role models. They showed me the way to positive transformation. These people impacted the atmosphere so that it felt better just to be in the same room with them. They had nice things to say about coworkers, other staff, and other departments. They set the standard wherever they went. They didn’t sit around and talk negatively or complain about their plight for working in a prison. They took their job seriously, but were also able to laugh at themselves. They made going into this negative environment bearable. You liked being with them. They brought unity to their department.

What was their secret? I believe that it was that they realized that “it’s not about me.” And because of that they carried what I call their handy-dandy tool box, instead of a bucket of rocks. In their tool box they kept some very important tools of the trade.

First of all, they carried their ID. They knew who they were, what they represented, and what their job was. They never tried to be something that they were not. They did not question what their assignment or purpose was behind the walls. They were secure in themselves and never had the need to put others down to feel superior.

Secondly, they carried keys on a key ring, and used them effectively in the area to which they were assigned. These keys helped them do their jobs safely and efficiently. The keys reminded them of the responsibility they had for themselves and others, and so they operated with integrity. These workers were also door openers for other staff, helping them succeed and advance. They encouraged others and didn’t keep a written record of what was done wrong. Rather, they were quick to note the good about their staff and coworkers.

Thirdly, they carried a radio. They were outstanding communicators. You knew what they expected of you and you were encouraged by them to do your best. They made you want to do a good job, because they were quick with praise and slow with criticism.

They knew how to change an environment with the words they chose to use. They realized how important communicating was and never expected you to read their mind. They gave good direction and did not make anyone feel less than because they didn’t understand something. To them there was no such thing as a stupid question.

Finally, they carried a flashlight. Their flashlight helped them see, really see. These people were outstanding at seeing a situation the way it was and bringing light into it when necessary. They never operated out of dark emotions like anger, hate, frustration, or jealousy. They also brought light and resolution into areas where there had been misunderstanding. They even offered to be your advocate if necessary when you had a problem. And they were great at helping you see the flip side of things.

These people never, never carried a bucket of rocks. They understood that life is not about them, but about what they can do to make it better for everybody. They have realized that giving is much more rewarding than taking.

Wouldn’t corrections facilities be much better to work at if more staff went in carrying their tool box instead of a bucket of rocks?